Help me diagnose the situation...
I am going off to Penn State University in about 4 and a half months to enroll during the summer session. I want to just enroll to do 3 credits and acquaint myself with the college. I am in a bind as to what computer is "right for me."
I am leaning towards the 12'' PowerBook as I have heard people tell me that portables are the way to go in college. But also the low end G5 looks very enticing, at least the education prices are pretty much equivalent to the 12'' PB.
The PowerBook deal looks like this
1 Ghz G4, 12'' Superdrive, 512 RAM, 60 GB HD, 4200 RPM=$1559
PowerMac looks like this
1.6 Ghz G5, No display, 512 RAM, 80 GB HD, 7200 RPM=$1600
What would you go with, what is the better buy? Power or portability is probably the question here. Will the PowerBook be capable 3 years from now at 1 Ghz?
I am leaning towards the 12'' PowerBook as I have heard people tell me that portables are the way to go in college. But also the low end G5 looks very enticing, at least the education prices are pretty much equivalent to the 12'' PB.
The PowerBook deal looks like this
1 Ghz G4, 12'' Superdrive, 512 RAM, 60 GB HD, 4200 RPM=$1559
PowerMac looks like this
1.6 Ghz G5, No display, 512 RAM, 80 GB HD, 7200 RPM=$1600
What would you go with, what is the better buy? Power or portability is probably the question here. Will the PowerBook be capable 3 years from now at 1 Ghz?
Comments
don't you already have a desktop?
I doubt i will every buy a desktop again (unless it is in addition to a laptop).
And the 1ghz processer better last me the 4 years i'm at school!
Adding a display to the tower will put the price about the powerbook (especially if you buy an apple display)
My vote is for potable. Does the campus have any wireless networks? If so, be sure to get an airport card. Wireless internet is fantastic. Very useful if you're in the library, caf, etc
The portability is nice, especially if you want to take notes or use wireless while on campus. It's also much easier to bring with you on trips home, as well as for any other travel you may do.
I use my Powerbook for just about all class-related work. I have a desktop PC here, but only use it for gaming and occasionally some work.
P.S. how many or do you think there will be ANY update to the 12'' PowerBook before June?
Desktops are safer anyway.
Originally posted by Messiahtosh
Thanks all, I'm gonna think it over for the next two weeks. I'll let you know what I decide, though right now I'm leaning towards the PB 12''.
If you don't need it until spring or fall, and you already have an iMac at home and you want your new machine to last as long as possible, why not wait until after an update to buy?
even if you have to bring you imac to school for a few months. This is what i did (for me it was a 333 imac) and i certainly don't regret holding off on my purchase. For me it meant the additions of: AirPort Extreme, Firewire 800, USB 2.0, new case design, 0.1" (ok so that isn't so great) and 133mhz.
I'm not saying the next PB update will be as significant as the last update (Ti 15" -> Al 15") but and update is an update. The more current the machine you buy is, the longer it will be before it is outdated.
just my $0.02